A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Death Valley National Park for Resorts, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Death Valley National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a bustling, spirited, and luxury coastal city. With stunning beauty, Fort Lauderdale attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Fort Lauderdale travel costs.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a vast, dramatic, and striking national park. The famous beauty of Death Valley National Park is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Fort Lauderdale and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Local Beaches
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Death Valley National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Death Valley National Park and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Death Valley National Park is well known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Death Valley National Park and Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park?

Fort Lauderdale
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a national park with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Death Valley National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fort Lauderdale
Death Valley National Park

Fort Lauderdale is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Dining out in Fort Lauderdale is an experience not to be missed. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale
Death Valley National Park

Fort Lauderdale is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Fort Lauderdale offers plenty to do in the evening. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale
Death Valley National Park

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its resorts. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Fort Lauderdale is a perfect choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale
Death Valley National Park

Fort Lauderdale is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Death Valley National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Death Valley National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale
Death Valley National Park

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for the beach. However, Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Fort Lauderdale is a very popular vacation destination. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Fort Lauderdale
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park?

Fort Lauderdale
Death Valley National Park

Fort Lauderdale is very good for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Many visitors go to Fort Lauderdale to go shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Fort Lauderdale
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Death Valley National Park is one of the main draws. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

The beauty of Fort Lauderdale is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Seven miles of scenic coastline with a boardwalk to explore make this a beautiful Florida beach destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale
Death Valley National Park

Both Fort Lauderdale and Death Valley National Park are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Death Valley National Park is very family-friendly. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale
Death Valley National Park

Fort Lauderdale is renowned for couples. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Fort Lauderdale has plenty to offer. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Death Valley National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fort Lauderdale
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Death Valley National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Fort Lauderdale is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. You'll find few backpackers heading to the high end city.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fort Lauderdale
Death Valley National Park

Fort Lauderdale is a moderate coastal city for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale
Death Valley National Park

Fort Lauderdale is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable destination. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable coastal city. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

Families should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Death Valley National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Fort Lauderdale, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Death Valley National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Death Valley National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Fort Lauderdale.


  • How many days in Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fort Lauderdale 3-7 
    Death Valley National Park 2-4

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this luxury destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The dramatic destination of Death Valley National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The national park of Death Valley National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this bustling destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Death Valley National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This national park offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this beautiful coastal city offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Death Valley National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Death Valley National Park or Fort Lauderdale?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Fort Lauderdale Prices
    USA Prices
    Death Valley National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Fort Lauderdale $218
    Death Valley National Park $101

The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $218, while the average daily cost in Death Valley National Park is $101. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fort Lauderdale and Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fort Lauderdale $96
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fort Lauderdale $192
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Fort Lauderdale


Hotels in Death Valley National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $51
    Death Valley National Park $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • FLL Airport Private Transfer to City | Port: $26
  • Port Everglades Private Transfer from Weston: $58
  • Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Fort Lauderdale Airport FLL: $67
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport: Private Transfer to Hollywood: $69
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport: Private Transfer to Fort Lauderdale: $69
  • One Way Private Transfer to/from Airport: $75
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport Private Transfer (Up To 14 Passengers): $75
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boynton Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • Fort Lauderdale to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Port Everglades to Fort Lauderdale Airport FLL-Departure Transfer: $86
  • Marathon/ Key Largo to Fort Lauderdale Airport(FLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Death Valley National Park?

Prices for flights to both Death Valley National Park and Fort Lauderdale change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $85
    Death Valley National Park $35
Typical Food Prices in Fort Lauderdale

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:


  • Quick Lunch
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Fort Lauderdale.

  • Immersive Sushi Cooking Class in Fort Lauderdale: $75
  • Intracoastal Cruise with Waterfront Dinner: $80
  • All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise: $80
  • Hollywood Florida Walking Food Tour : $109
  • Atlantic Village Walking Food Tour: $109
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner & Drinks Tour: $109
  • Downtown Fort Lauderdale Dinner and Drinks Tour: $114
  • Fort Lauderdale Beach Food Tour: $114
  • Fort Lauderdale Historic District Food Tour Experience: $120
  • Hollywood Beach Walking Food Tour: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $15
    Death Valley National Park $36

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

Here are a few actual costs in Fort Lauderdale for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Pembroke Pines by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Davie by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk Self-guided Audio Walking Tour: $11
  • 1-Hour Family Pirate Adventure Cruise: $22
  • Fort Lauderdale Fallen Frights and Fury Ghost Tour: $24
  • Private BLU3 Nomad Scuba Demo Experience in Deerfield: $25
  • Fort Lauderdale Fallen Frights and Fury Ghost Tour: $26
  • Holiday Mansion Lights Boat Tour: $30
  • Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure and Wildlife Encounter: $31
  • Jungle Queen Riverboat 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruise in Fort Lauderdale: $31
  • VENICE OF AMERICA TOUR!! Best of Fort Lauderdale over 30 years!!!: $32
  • Sea Rocket Speedboat & Intracoastal Cruise in Ft Lauderdale: $33

Tours and Activities in Death Valley National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Death Valley National Park are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Death Valley National Park: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $33
    Death Valley National Park $8.57
Typical Alcohol Prices in Fort Lauderdale

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:


  • Beer
    $7.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Ft Lauderdale Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Ft. Lauderdale: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Pedibus Pub Crawl in Fort Lauderdale: $74


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fort Lauderdale and Death Valley National Park, we can see that Fort Lauderdale is more expensive. And not only is Death Valley National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Death Valley National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Death Valley National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Fort Lauderdale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fort Lauderdale than you might in Death Valley National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Death Valley National Park Expensive?.